JP2004313737A - Stretcher and method for using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To alleviate the burden of lifting up a stretcher having foldable legs and to allow even a weak person to lift up the stretcher smoothly. <P>SOLUTION: The stretcher 1 comprises a bed section 21 for placing a sick person, legs 22 attached foldably to the bed section 21, wheels 23 mounted on the legs 22, a tank 10 for receiving high pressure gas, pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9, and inhalation switches 11 and 13. By turning on the inhalation switches 11 and 13, the high pressure gas is introduced into the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 from the tank 10, piston rods 28 are compressed, expanding force is applied to the legs 22 and upward force is applied to the bed section 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a stretcher and a method of using the stretcher.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stretcher having foldable legs has been used, for example, when rescue workers carry an injured patient into an ambulance vehicle. This type of stretcher consists of a bed for the victim and foldable legs and is usually used by two rescue workers as follows.

  In other words, the rescue crew transports the stretcher to the emergency site where the victim has fallen, then folds down the legs and lowers the bed to near the ground. Then, the victim is put on the bed. Then, one rescue worker grasps the head of the bed, the other rescue worker grasps the foot of the bed, and both rescue workers raise the bed together. As the bed rises, the legs are automatically deployed by their own weight, and the stretcher stands upright. Thereafter, when the bed rises to a predetermined height, the legs are locked in an open state, and support the bed. Then, the rescue technician travels while pushing or pulling the stretcher and carries it into the ambulance vehicle.

  By the way, since the entire weight of the bed and the patient is considerably large, a large force is required for lifting the bed. Usually, lifting work is performed by two rescue workers, but the burden per person is considerably large. For example, if the total weight of the bed and the patient is 120 kg, the burden per rescue worker is about 60 kg. For this reason, it was difficult for emergency rescue workers with low power to carry out lifting operations smoothly. Further, since the lifting operation must be performed in a crouched state, an excessive load is easily applied to a part of the body (particularly, the waist). As a result, rescue workers sometimes hurt parts of the body during lifting operations.

Therefore, in order to reduce the burden of lifting work, there has been proposed a leg erecting mechanism that provides a gas damper with a lock to the stretcher and uses the repulsive force of the damper to assist the deployment of the legs (see Patent Document 1).
Registered Utility Model No. 3058160

  However, in the stretcher provided with the leg upright mechanism, when the leg is folded, extra force must be applied against the damper. Therefore, convenience was low. Further, since the repulsive force of the damper is not so large as compared with the weight of the patient or the like, it has been difficult to say that the load of the lifting operation is sufficiently reduced. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to increase the repulsive force of the damper, the force required to fold the leg also increases accordingly. Therefore, in consideration of the work of folding the legs, the resilience of the damper cannot be increased so much. Therefore, it has been difficult for conventional stretchers to significantly reduce the burden of lifting work.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to significantly reduce a load of a lifting operation of a stretcher, and to enable a person with low power to perform a lifting operation smoothly. Is to do.

  A stretcher according to the present invention is a stretcher including a bed portion on which a patient is placed, a leg foldably provided on the bed portion, and a wheel provided on the leg, wherein high-pressure gas is introduced. And a lift assisting device having an actuator for applying a force in a direction in which the bed portion is lifted, and a switch for turning on / off the actuator.

  In the stretcher, the actuator is driven by inputting a switch when lifting the bed portion after placing the patient on the bed portion. As a result, an upward force acts on the bed due to the high-pressure gas introduced into the actuator. Therefore, when lifting the bed, a large force of the high-pressure gas can be used, so that the burden on the rescue personnel is greatly reduced. In addition, even a rescue worker with low power can smoothly carry out the lifting operation of the bed.

  In addition, another stretcher according to the present invention includes a bed portion on which the patient is placed, a leg that is provided to be foldable on the bed portion, and a leg that lifts the bed portion by expanding from the bed portion; A stretcher provided with wheels provided, comprising: an actuator for applying a force in a direction in which the legs are developed by introducing high-pressure gas; and a lift assist device having a switch for turning on / off the actuator. It has something.

  Also in the above stretcher, the actuator is driven by inputting a switch when lifting the bed after placing the patient on the bed. As a result, a force in the developing direction is applied to the leg by the high-pressure gas introduced into the actuator, and a force in the ascending direction acts on the bed as the leg is deployed. Therefore, when lifting the bed, a large force of the high-pressure gas can be used, so that the burden on the rescue personnel is greatly reduced. In addition, even a rescue worker with low power can smoothly carry out the lifting operation of the bed.

  Preferably, the stretcher includes a tank for storing high-pressure gas, and a gas pipe connecting the tank and the actuator.

  In addition, the gas pipe mentioned here is not limited to a pipe having rigidity, but also includes a pipe having flexibility such as a hose or a tube.

  Since the above-mentioned stretcher is provided with a tank for storing high-pressure gas, a gas supply source (gas cylinder, etc.) for supplying high-pressure gas to the actuator is provided separately from the stretcher at the bed lifting site. No need to go. Therefore, the convenience of the stretcher is improved.

  The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, and the switch may include a switch that opens and closes a flow path of the gas pipe.

  Thus, the actuator and the switch can be obtained with a relatively simple configuration. The pneumatic cylinder is not limited to one using air as a working fluid, but also includes one using another gas such as oxygen or nitrogen as a working fluid.

  The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, and a piston that divides the inside of the cylinder body into a pressurizing chamber and an open-to-atmosphere chamber, and the stretcher further includes a speed controller that adjusts a gas discharge speed of the open-to-atmosphere chamber. It is preferable to have

  When the high-pressure gas is introduced into the pressurizing chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, the moving speed of the piston is adjusted by adjusting the discharge speed of the gas in the open-to-atmosphere chamber. Thereby, the ascending speed of the bed can be adjusted according to the lifting work of the rescue crew, and the lifting work can be performed more smoothly. In addition, a rapid rise of the bed can be prevented, and the burden on the patient or the like can be reduced.

  The gas pipe may be provided with a speed controller for adjusting a flow rate of the high-pressure gas from the tank to the pneumatic cylinder.

  Thereby, the ascending speed of the bed can be adjusted according to the lifting work of the rescue crew, and the lifting work can be performed more smoothly. In addition, a rapid rise of the bed can be prevented, and the burden on the patient or the like can be reduced.

  By the way, usually, an ambulance vehicle is provided with a gas supply source filled with high-pressure gas, such as an oxygen cylinder for inhaling oxygen of a victim.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the stretcher is provided with a gas inlet for introducing high-pressure gas from the gas supply source installed in the emergency vehicle to the tank.

  It is preferable that the gas introduction port is connected to the gas supply source and the tank is filled with high-pressure gas from the gas supply source in an emergency vehicle prior to transportation of the victim. When connecting the gas inlet and the gas supply source, it goes without saying that gas distribution means such as pipes and tubes may be used. That is, the tank and the gas supply source may be connected directly or indirectly.

  Thus, a gas cylinder or an air tank installed in the ambulance vehicle can be used as a gas supply source for supplying high-pressure gas to the stretcher tank. Therefore, it is not necessary to carry a dedicated gas supply source for supplying gas to the tank in the emergency vehicle. In addition, the operation of filling the tank with gas can be performed in advance in the emergency vehicle. Therefore, emergency work can be performed smoothly. Further, the convenience of the stretcher is improved.

  Another stretcher according to the present invention is a stretcher including a bed portion on which a patient is placed, a leg foldably provided on the bed portion, and a wheel provided on the leg, wherein the bed A lifting mechanism for applying a force in a direction in which the bed rises, a switch for turning on / off the lifting mechanism, and a speed adjusting device for adjusting a speed of raising the bed by the lifting mechanism. Is what it is.

  In the above stretcher, the lifting mechanism operates by inputting a switch when lifting the bed after placing the patient on the bed. As a result, an upward force acts on the bed. Therefore, the burden on the rescue technician during the lifting operation of the bed portion is reduced, and even a low-rescue emergency technician can perform the lifting operation smoothly. In addition, since the speed adjusting means for adjusting the rising speed of the bed portion is provided, the rising speed can be adjusted according to the lifting work of the rescue crew. Therefore, the lifting operation of the bed portion can be performed more smoothly. In addition, since it is possible to suppress a rapid rise of the bed, it is possible to reduce the impact received by the patient placed on the bed and reduce the burden.

  It is preferable that each of the stretchers includes a speed adjusting unit that adjusts a lowering speed of the bed when lowering the raised bed.

  Thus, the lowering speed of the bed can be adjusted, and the bed can be lowered slowly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the workload of the rescue squad and the stress of the victim. Further, it is possible to prevent the bed portion from suddenly descending, and it is possible to reduce the impact on the stretcher. Therefore, the life of the stretcher can be extended.

  It is preferable that each of the stretchers includes a release unit that releases the lifting assist device.

  Thus, the lifting assist device can be freely released at any time by using the release means. Therefore, for example, when the lifting assist device breaks down, the bed portion can be raised only by manual lifting operation by releasing the lifting assist device. Further, the bed portion can be lowered only by a manual lowering operation. Therefore, the lifting or lowering of the bed portion is not hindered by the failure of the lifting assist device, and the reliability of the stretcher is improved.

  According to the present invention, an actuator that operates by the introduction of a high-pressure gas is provided, and an upward force is applied to the bed using the pressure of the high-pressure gas. Therefore, a large force due to the high-pressure gas can be used when lifting the bed portion, and the load of the lifting operation can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the burden on the rescue squad can be reduced, and even a rescue squad with low power can perform the lifting operation smoothly. Also, it is possible to prevent rescue workers from damaging parts of the body.

  By providing a tank for storing high-pressure gas, it is not necessary to separately prepare a gas supply source, and the convenience of the stretcher can be improved.

  By providing the speed controller in the gas pipe or the like, the convenience of the stretcher can be further improved.

  By supplying high-pressure gas into the tank in advance from a gas supply source installed in the ambulance vehicle, emergency work can be performed smoothly.

  Further, according to the present invention, a lifting mechanism for applying a force in a rising direction to the bed portion is provided, so that the burden of lifting the bed portion is significantly reduced. Therefore, even a rescue worker with low power can smoothly carry out the lifting operation, and it is possible to prevent the rescue worker from damaging a part of the body. In addition, since the speed adjusting means for adjusting the rising speed of the bed portion is provided, the bed portion can be raised at a speed suitable for the lifting operation. In addition, the burden on the patient or the like who gets on the bed can be reduced.

  By providing the speed adjusting means for adjusting the lowering speed of the bed, the bed can be lowered at a speed suitable for the work of lowering the bed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the work load of the rescue crew.

  By providing the release means for releasing the ascending assist device, even if the ascending assist device breaks down, by manually releasing the ascending assist device, the bed portion can be freely lifted or lowered manually at any time. be able to. Therefore, the reliability of the stretcher can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the stretcher 1 according to the first embodiment includes a bed 21 on which a patient is placed and a leg 22 that is provided on the bed 21 so as to be freely foldable. In the following description, the side on which the victim's head is mounted (the right side in FIGS. 1 to 3) is referred to as the head side, and the side on which the foot is mounted (the left side in FIGS. 1 to 3) is referred to as the foot side. .

  The bed 21 has a so-called frame structure, and is configured by combining a plurality of pipe-shaped members. The bed portion 21 supports a stretcher (not shown) on which the patient is to be mounted at a plurality of places by the plurality of pipe-shaped members. In the present embodiment, the bed 21 and the stretcher are configured separately, but, of course, a stretcher may be attached to the bed 21. That is, the bed 21 and the stretcher may be integrally configured.

  The leg 22 includes two front legs 24 and two rear legs 25. The front leg 24 is a leg provided on the head side, and includes a main leg 24a and an auxiliary leg 24b rotatably connected to a middle portion of the main leg 24a. A wheel 23 is provided at the tip of the main leg 24a. The rear leg 25 is a leg provided on the foot side, and includes a main leg 25a and an auxiliary leg 25b rotatably connected to a middle part of the main leg 25a. A wheel 23 is also provided at the tip of the main leg 25a.

  The root-side end of the main leg 25a is rotatably supported by the bed 21. On the other hand, root-side ends of the auxiliary leg 25b of the rear leg 25, the main leg 24a of the front leg 24, and the auxiliary leg 24b are rotatably supported by the sliders 31, 32, and 33, respectively. A rail 27 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the bed 21, and the sliders 31, 32, and 33 are slidably attached to the rail 27 (however, the slider 33 is used when the bed 21 is raised and lowered). Is fixed to the bed.).

  With such a configuration, when the bed 21 is raised, the sliders 31 and 32 move toward the head, and the legs 22 are deployed. On the other hand, when the bed 21 is lowered, the sliders 31 and 32 move toward the feet, and the legs 22 are folded. Conversely, when the legs 22 are deployed, the bed 21 rises, and when the legs 22 are folded, the bed 21 descends.

  The stretcher 1 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for the leg 22, and when the bed 21 is raised to a predetermined position and the development of the leg 22 is completed, the leg 22 is automatically locked. A lock release lever 35 (see FIG. 3) for releasing the lock mechanism is provided on the head side and the foot side of the bed 21. By pulling the lock release lever 35, the lock mechanism is released, and the legs 22 can be folded (in other words, the bed 21 descends).

  A pair of left and right head-side pneumatic cylinders 8 and foot-side pneumatic cylinders 9 are attached to the lower portion of the bed portion 21, respectively. Each of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 includes a cylindrical cylinder body 30 and a piston rod 28 inserted into the cylinder body 30. The interior of the cylinder body 30 is partitioned by the piston rod 28 into a pressurizing chamber 51 and an atmosphere opening chamber 52 (see FIG. 4). In the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 according to the present embodiment, a high-pressure gas is introduced into the pressurizing chamber 51 in the cylinder body 30 to generate a force in a direction in which the piston rod 28 contracts by the pressure of the high-pressure gas. .

  Each of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bed 21. The cylinder fitting 4 is provided on the tip side of the cylinder body 30 of the pneumatic cylinder 8. The piston rod 28 of the pneumatic cylinder 8 on the head side is fixed to the slider 32 via the retracting block 5 and the retracting plate 6. Therefore, as the piston rod 28 expands and contracts, the slider 32 slides in the front-back direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 1 to 3). On the other hand, the piston rod 28 of the pneumatic cylinder 9 on the foot side is fixed to the slider 31 via the retracting plate 7. Therefore, as the piston rod 28 expands and contracts, the slider 31 slides back and forth.

  A tank 10 for storing high-pressure gas is attached to the foot side of the bed 21. The tank 10 is provided with a gas inlet 34 for introducing a high-pressure gas from the outside. The gas inlet 34 is provided with opening / closing means 40 (see FIG. 4; not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) such as a check valve and an opening / closing valve. The tank 10 and each of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 are connected by a gas pipe (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). As described above, in the present stretcher 1, high-pressure gas is supplied to the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 from the tank 10 attached to the stretcher 1.

  The shape, size, mounting position, and the like of the tank 10 are not limited at all. The capacity of the tank 10 may be sufficient to operate the pneumatic cylinders 8, 9 at least once. Alternatively, in order to reduce the size of the tank 10 while allowing the lifting operation to be performed again, the capacity may be set to such a degree that the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 are operated two to three times. Further, the piping configuration of the gas piping is not limited at all. The gas pipe may be a pipe made of stainless steel, aluminum, iron, or the like, or may be a flexible pipe. It is also possible to form the gas pipe with a pressure-resistant hose or tube.

  FIG. 4 is a piping diagram of a high-pressure gas. The piping system 50 includes a head-side system 41 that controls the head-side pneumatic cylinder 8 and a foot-side system 42 that controls the foot-side pneumatic cylinder 9.

  The head-side system 41 includes a suction pipe 43 for introducing high-pressure gas from the tank 10, two branch pipes 44 branched from the suction pipe 43 and connected to the pressurizing chambers 51 of the pneumatic cylinders 8, and a pneumatic cylinder 8. And a discharge pipe 46 for discharging high-pressure gas from the pressurization chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 8 to the outside. The suction pipe 43 is provided with a suction switch 11 composed of a mechanical valve and a speed controller (speed control valve) 47 in order from the tank 10 side. One end of the exhaust pipe 46 is connected between the suction switch 11 and the speed controller 47 in the suction pipe 43, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 46 is open to the outside. The exhaust pipe 46 is provided with the exhaust switch 12 composed of a mechanical valve and a speed controller 48.

  The foot system 42 has the same configuration as the head system 41. The suction switch 13 and the speed controller 47 are also provided on the suction pipe 43 of the foot system 42, and the exhaust switch 14 and the speed controller 48 are provided on the exhaust pipe 46.

  The piping system 50 including the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9, the suction switches 11 and 13, and the speed controller 47 forms an ascending assist device that assists the ascent of the bed 21. The speed controller 47 of the suction pipe 43 forms a speed adjusting means for adjusting the rising speed of the bed 21, and the speed controller 48 of the exhaust pipe 46 forms a speed adjusting means for adjusting the lowering speed of the bed 21. are doing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the suction switch 11 and the exhaust switch 12 of the head-side system 41 are arranged on the front side (that is, the head side) of the bed 21. Each of the intake switch 11 and the exhaust switch 12 is a push button type switch, and is installed in such a posture that the buttons face forward so that rescue workers operating the stretcher 1 from the front can easily operate. On the other hand, the suction switch 13 and the exhaust switch 14 of the foot system 42 are arranged on the rear side (foot side) of the bed 21. The intake switch 13 and the exhaust switch 14 are also push-button switches, and are installed in such a position that the buttons face rearward so that rescue workers operating the stretcher 1 from the rear can easily operate the stretcher 1.

  However, the suction switches 11 and 13 and the exhaust switches 12 and 14 are not limited to push-button switches, and may be other types of switches. For example, a rotary switch (such as a dial switch) or a switch that pulls a lever may be used.

  Next, a method of using the stretcher 1 and its operation will be described.

  When the stretcher 1 is used, it is possible to supply high-pressure gas to the tank 10 at the emergency site, but in order to perform emergency work quickly, the high-pressure gas is supplied to the tank 10 before the ambulance arrives at the emergency site. Is preferably filled. Before loading the stretcher 1 on the ambulance, the tank 10 may be filled with high-pressure gas. However, the ambulance is usually loaded with a high-pressure gas supply source such as an oxygen cylinder for inhaling oxygen or an air tank for storing compressed air. Therefore, while the ambulance is moving to the emergency site, a high-pressure gas filling operation may be performed in the vehicle using a gas supply source installed in the ambulance.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, an oxygen cylinder 62 installed in an ambulance 61 and a gas inlet 34 of the tank 10 of the stretcher 1 are connected by a pressure-resistant tube 63 or the like. Oxygen gas may be supplied. The pressure of the high-pressure gas in the tank 10 is sufficient, for example, about 5 to 10 atm. Therefore, the high-pressure gas required for the tank 10 can be sufficiently covered by a normal gas cylinder (about 20 to 30 atm). However, the required pressure of the tank 10 is not limited to the above numerical range.

  When the ambulance arrives at the emergency site, the ambulance crew removes the stretcher 1 from the ambulance. At this time, the rescue technician pulls the lock release lever 35 on the foot side and pulls out the stretcher 1 while pressing the suction switch 13. As a result, in the foot system 42 of the gas piping system 50, high-pressure gas is introduced from the tank 10 into the pressurizing chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 9 via the suction switch 13, and the rear leg 25 is deployed. The front legs 24 are automatically deployed by their own weight when the stretcher 1 is carried out. As a result, the stretcher 1 changes from the state in which the legs 22 are folded (the state shown in FIG. 2) to the state in which the legs 22 are expanded (the state shown in FIG. 1), and can run. In this state, the rescue technician travels while pushing or pulling the stretcher 1, and moves the stretcher 1 to the vicinity of the patient.

  When the stretcher 1 is moved near the patient, two rescue workers perform a lowering operation and a lifting operation of the bed 21 before and after the stretcher 1. During the lowering operation, the rescue worker located in front of the stretcher 1 presses the head-side exhaust switch 12 while pulling the lock release lever 35 to release the lock mechanism (not shown) of the leg 22 (however, the air pressure When the cylinder 8 is not filled with the high-pressure gas, it is not necessary to press the exhaust switch 12.), and the rescue worker located on the rear side pushes the foot-side exhaust switch 14 to lower the bed 21. . That is, the leg 22 is folded. Then, the victim is put on the bed 21.

  In the lifting operation, while pulling the lock release lever 35, the rescue worker located on the front side of the stretcher 1 presses the head side inhalation switch 11, and the rescue worker located on the rear side pushes the foot side inhalation switch 13. As a result, in the head-side system 41 of the gas piping system 50, high-pressure gas is introduced from the tank 10 into the pressurizing chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 8 via the suction switch 11 and the speed controller 47. On the other hand, in the foot system 42, high-pressure gas is introduced from the tank 10 into the pressurizing chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 9 via the suction switch 13 and the speed controller 47.

  After or simultaneously with the input of the inhalation switches 11 and 13, the rescue crew lifts the bed 21. At this time, a high-pressure gas is introduced into the pressurizing chamber 51 of each of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9, so that a force in a contracting direction is applied to the piston rod 28. Therefore, a force in the direction toward the head (to the right in FIGS. 2 and 3) is applied to the sliders 32 and 31 connected to the piston rod 28, and a force in the unfolding direction is applied to the legs 22. . Therefore, the rescue crew can lift the bed 21 with a small force.

  When the bed portion 21 is lifted to a predetermined height and the lock release lever 35 is released, the lock mechanism operates and the leg 22 is fixed in an expanded state. Thereafter, the rescue technician carries the stretcher 1 into the ambulance. At this time, the head side of the stretcher 1 is inserted into the ambulance, and the exhaust switch 14 is turned on while pulling the unlock lever 35 on the foot side. As a result, the exhaust pipe 46 is opened to the atmosphere, and the high-pressure gas in the pressurizing chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 9 is discharged to the outside via the exhaust switch 14 and the speed controller 48. At this time, since the leg 22 is folded, the stretcher 1 can be easily carried in by pushing the stretcher 1 into the ambulance almost at the same time. The front leg 24 is folded by sliding the slider 33 rearward without discharging the high-pressure gas in the pneumatic cylinder 8.

  As described above, the stretcher 1 has the power assist function for assisting the rescue worker in lifting the bed 21. According to the present embodiment, when the bed portion 21 is lifted, a large force is applied in the direction in which the legs 22 are deployed by the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9, and thus a large upward force is applied to the bed portion 21. Therefore, the burden on rescue workers is greatly reduced. Therefore, even a rescue worker with low power can smoothly execute the lifting operation of the bed 21. In addition, it is possible to reduce the fatigue of the rescue workers and prevent damage (such as back pain).

  Since the speed controller 47 is provided in the suction pipe 43 to adjust the inflow speed of the high-pressure gas from the tank 10 to the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9, it is possible to prevent the legs 22 from expanding rapidly. Therefore, the bed portion 21 can be raised slowly so as not to apply a burden such as an impact or shaking to the victim. In addition, the standing speed of the leg 22 can be freely adjusted according to the lifting operation of the rescue squad or the weight of the injured person, and the lifting operation can be performed more efficiently.

  Since the speed controller 48 is provided in the exhaust pipe 46 to adjust the discharge speed when discharging the high-pressure gas in the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9, rapid release of the high-pressure gas can be prevented. Therefore, unnecessary stimuli are not given to the sick and rescue workers when the high-pressure gas is released, and the convenience of the stretcher 1 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the bed section 21 from suddenly lowering, and it is possible to reduce the work load on the rescue personnel and the stress on the victim. Furthermore, since the impact on the stretcher 1 is reduced, the life of the stretcher 1 can be extended.

  Since the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 are used as the actuators for assisting the lifting operation of the bed 21, the actuators can be configured relatively easily. Further, since the structure and operation are simple, a highly reliable actuator can be obtained. Further, the weight of the actuator can be reduced.

  Since the tank 10 for storing the high-pressure gas is attached to the stretcher 1, there is no need to separately prepare a gas supply source (gas cylinder or the like) for supplying the high-pressure gas to the pneumatic cylinders 8, 9, and the transport of the stretcher 1 is performed. The pneumatic cylinders 8, 9 can be freely operated at any time on site.

  In this embodiment, the tank 10 is a fixed tank that cannot be removed, but the tank 10 may be configured to be detachable. Further, in the present embodiment, the tank 10 is fixed to the bed 21, but the tank 10 is provided separately from the bed 21 as long as the tank 10 is connected to the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 via piping or tubes. May be.

  By performing the filling operation of the high-pressure gas into the tank 10 inside the ambulance 61, it is not necessary to fill the tank with the high-pressure gas before the ambulance is dispatched, and the high-pressure gas is filled after arriving at the emergency site. There is no need. Therefore, the ambulance can be immediately dispatched, emergency work at the emergency site can be performed smoothly, and the convenience of the stretcher 1 can be improved.

  The high pressure gas piping system of the stretcher 1 is not limited to the piping system 50 (see FIG. 4) of the embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the speed controller 47 provided in the suction pipe 43 may be provided in the open pipe 45. That is, a speed controller 47 for adjusting the gas discharge speed of the open-to-atmosphere chamber 52 may be provided. Even with such a configuration, the standing speed of the leg 22 can be freely adjusted according to the lifting work of the rescue crew, and the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  The high-pressure gas used in the present stretcher 1 is not limited to oxygen gas, but may be another type of gas such as high-pressure air or nitrogen gas.

  The number of pneumatic cylinders 8, 9 is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more. The number of pneumatic cylinders 8, 9 is not limited at all.

  The pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 of the above embodiment are of the type in which the piston rod 28 contracts by introducing high-pressure gas, but by changing the structure of the legs 22 and the like, the piston rod 28 is introduced by introducing high-pressure gas. Of course, it is also possible to use a pneumatic cylinder of a type that extends.

  The speed adjusting means for adjusting the ascending speed and the descending speed of the bed 21 is not limited to the speed controllers 47 and 48, and may be other types of speed adjusting means, for example, other mechanical or electric speed adjusting means. Good.

  Although the stretcher 1 is designed to improve the convenience by attaching the tank 10, the stretcher according to the present invention also includes one without the tank 10. For example, a gas inlet may be provided in the gas piping system 50, and high-pressure gas may be directly introduced into the piping system 50 from a gas supply source such as a gas cylinder. Even with such a stretcher, a power assist function using high-pressure gas can be exhibited.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 are used as actuators. However, the actuator according to the present embodiment is not limited to the pneumatic cylinder. There is no particular limitation as long as it gives a force to raise 21. For example, a pneumatic motor can be used as the actuator.

  As in the above-described embodiment, the actuator may raise the bed 21 by applying a force in the developing direction to the leg 22, but the actuator may move the bed 21 upward without applying a force to the leg 22 itself. May be applied. For example, an actuator that is disposed between the bed 21 and the ground and that raises the bed 21 by pressing the ground may be used.

<Embodiment 2>
The second embodiment is a modification of the stretcher 1 of the first embodiment, in which the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 are turned on / off in conjunction with a lock release lever. In addition, a release device for forcibly releasing the lifting assist device is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the stretcher 1a according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the stretcher 1 of the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, a head side unlocking lever 35a is provided on the head side of the bed 21 and a foot side unlocking lever 35b is provided on the foot side of the bed 21. In the second embodiment, a main switch 70 of the lift assist device and a release switch 71 of the lift assist device are provided on the foot side of the bed 21. Each of the main switch 70 and the release switch 71 is formed of a dial (rotary) switch. However, the types of the switches 70 and 71 are not limited at all.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the piping system 50a of the stretcher 1a according to the second embodiment also includes a head system 41 and a foot system 42. A main switch 70 including a mechanical valve is provided in the suction pipe 43 for introducing high-pressure gas from the tank 10. The suction pipe 43 branches into a suction pipe 43a of the head-side system 41 and a suction pipe 43b of the foot-side system 42. The suction pipe 43a is provided with a suction switch 11 that is turned on / off in conjunction with the head-side lock release lever 35a. On the other hand, the suction pipe 43b is provided with a suction switch 13 that is turned on / off in conjunction with the foot-side lock release lever 35b.

  The configuration of the suction pipe 43a on the side of the pneumatic cylinder 8 and the configuration of the suction pipe 43b on the side of the pneumatic cylinder 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the head-side and foot-side suction pipes 43a and 43b are connected to the atmosphere release pipes 73a and 73b, respectively. One end of the atmosphere opening pipe 73a is connected between the suction switch 11 and the speed controller 47 in the suction pipe 43a, and the other end is connected to the release switch 71. One end of the atmosphere opening pipe 73b is connected between the suction switch 13 and the speed controller 47 in the suction pipe 43b, and the other end is connected to the release switch 71. The release switch 71 is a switch for switching the open-to-atmosphere pipes 73a and 73b to open to the atmosphere, and is constituted by a mechanical valve. However, the configuration of the release switch 71 is not limited at all. The open-to-atmosphere tubes 73a and 73b and the release switch 71 constitute a release device 72 for releasing the ascending assist device.

  In the present embodiment, the main switch 70 is first input during the lifting operation of the bed 21. Then, the head-side and foot-side rescue workers pull the head-side and foot-side lock release levers 35a and 35b, respectively. Thus, the suction switches 11 and 13 are input. As a result, the high-pressure gas in the tank 10 passes through the suction switches 11 and 13 and the speed controller 47 and is introduced into the pressurizing chambers 51 of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 on the head side and the foot side, respectively. As a result, a force in the developing direction is applied to the leg 22, and a force in the rising direction is applied to the bed 21. Therefore, the rescue worker can easily lift the bed 21. After the bed 21 has been raised, the lock release levers 35a and 35b are released, and the legs 22 are locked.

  On the other hand, when carrying the stretcher 1 into the ambulance, the exhaust switch 14 is input while the main switch 70 is kept in the input state. Then, the lock release lever 35b is pulled. Thereby, the suction switch 13 is input. As a result, the high-pressure gas in the pressurizing chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 9 is discharged to the outside from the exhaust pipe 46 via the speed controller 47, the suction switch 13, the main switch 70, the exhaust switch 14, and the speed controller 48. Therefore, the rescue worker can easily fold the leg 22.

  By the way, when a failure occurs in the lift assist device, it may be preferable to release the lift assist device and raise the bed 21 only by hand. Further, when a failure occurs in the lifting assist device, the force in the unfolding direction is still applied to the leg 22, and it may be difficult to easily fold the leg 22. For example, if a failure occurs in the suction switch 13 after the legs 22 are deployed, the high-pressure gas cannot be extracted from the pressurizing chamber 51 of the pneumatic cylinder 9, and it is difficult to carry the bed portion 21 into an ambulance as it is. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a release device 72 for forcibly releasing the ascending assist device is provided. Specifically, the air release tubes 73a and 73b having the release switch 71 are connected to the suction tubes 43a and 43b.

  In the present embodiment, when some trouble occurs in the piping system 50 or the like, by inputting the release switch 71, the high-pressure gas in the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 is forcibly released to the atmosphere through the atmosphere opening pipes 73a and 73b. Let open. As a result, the high pressure portion of the piping system 50 is opened to the outside, and the lifting assist device is forcibly released. Therefore, there is no possibility that the lifting assist device will hinder the work in the event of a failure. Therefore, in the unlikely event that the emergency rescue worker can deploy or fold the leg 22, it can be performed manually. Therefore, the reliability of the emergency work can be improved.

  Also in the present embodiment, the speeds of raising and lowering the bed 21 can be adjusted by the speed controllers 47 and 48, and the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Other embodiments>
In each of the above embodiments, the lifting assist device is a device that includes the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9 and applies a force in the rising direction to the bed 21 by using high-pressure gas. As described above, the device has an advantage that a gas cylinder or the like in an ambulance can be effectively used. However, the lifting assist device according to the present invention only needs to provide a sufficient lifting force to the bed, and is not limited to a device using high-pressure gas.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a hydraulic lifting assist device may be used. In this lift assist device, a hydraulic pump 75 is provided instead of the tank 10 for storing high-pressure gas, and hydraulic cylinders 78 and 79 are provided instead of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9. A head side switch 76 for turning on / off a head side hydraulic cylinder 78 is provided on the head side of the bed 21, and a foot side for turning on / off the foot side hydraulic cylinder 79 on a foot side of the bed 21. A switch 77 is provided. According to the present stretcher 1, a force in the developing direction can be applied to the leg 22 by using the hydraulic pressure, and the bed portion 21 can be easily raised.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, an electric climbing assist device may be used. In this lift assist device, a battery 85 is provided instead of the tank 10 for storing high-pressure gas, and electric actuators 88 and 89 are provided instead of the pneumatic cylinders 8 and 9. A head-side switch 86 for turning on / off a head-side electric actuator 88 is provided on the head side of the bed 21, and a foot-side for turning on / off a foot-side electric actuator 89 is provided on the foot of the bed 21. A switch 87 is provided. According to the present stretcher 1, a force in the unfolding direction can be applied to the legs 22 by the electric actuators 88 and 89, and the bed 21 can be easily raised.

  In addition, it is preferable that one or both of the speed adjusting means for adjusting the rising speed of the bed 21 and the speed adjusting means for adjusting the descending speed are provided for each of the ascending assist devices. In the ascending assist device using hydraulic pressure, a speed controller in a hydraulic circuit can be suitably used as speed adjusting means. In the electric climbing assist device, an electric controller can be used. However, the configuration of the speed adjusting means is not particularly limited, and various types of controllers can be used.

  When each of the above-mentioned ascending auxiliary devices is provided, it is preferable to provide a releasing device for forcibly releasing each of the ascending auxiliary devices. Thus, when the lifting assist device breaks down, the lifting and lowering of the bed portion 21 can be performed manually only by releasing the lifting assist device.

  As described above, the present invention is particularly useful for a stretcher used for transporting a patient at an emergency site or the like.

It is a side view of the stretcher in the state which expanded the leg. It is a side view of the stretcher in the state where the leg was folded. It is a top view which cuts out and shows a part of stretcher in the state where a leg was folded. It is a piping system diagram of gas. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the connection state of the oxygen cylinder and a stretcher inside an ambulance. It is a piping system diagram of the gas concerning a modification. It is a top view which cuts out and shows a part of stretcher concerning Embodiment 2. It is a piping diagram of the gas which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a side view of a stretcher concerning other embodiments. It is a side view of a stretcher concerning other embodiments.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 Stretcher 8 Head side pneumatic cylinder (actuator)
9. Foot side pneumatic cylinder (actuator)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Tank 11, 13 Suction switch 12, 14 Exhaust switch 21 Bed part 22 Leg 23 Wheel 28 Piston rod 30 Cylinder main body 34 Gas inlet 47 Speed controller (speed adjusting means)
48 speed controller (speed adjustment means)
Reference Signs List 50 piping system 51 pressurization room 52 open-to-air room 61 ambulance (emergency vehicle)
62 Oxygen cylinder (gas supply source)
72 Release device (release means)

Claims (11)

A stretcher including a bed portion on which the patient is placed, a leg foldably provided on the bed portion, and a wheel provided on the leg,
A stretcher including a lift assisting device including an actuator for applying a force in a rising direction to the bed by introducing high-pressure gas, and a switch for turning on / off the actuator. A stretcher comprising: a bed portion on which a patient is placed; a leg provided on the bed portion so as to be freely foldable; and a leg for raising the bed portion by unfolding from the bed portion; and a wheel provided on the leg. hand,
A stretcher comprising: a lift assisting device having an actuator for applying a force in a direction in which the leg is developed by introducing high-pressure gas, and a switch for turning on / off the actuator.   The stretcher according to claim 1, further comprising: a tank for storing high-pressure gas; and a gas pipe connecting the tank and the actuator. The actuator comprises a pneumatic cylinder,
The stretcher according to claim 3, wherein the switch is a switch that opens and closes a flow path of the gas pipe. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, and a piston that divides the inside of the cylinder body into a pressurizing chamber and an atmosphere release chamber,
The stretcher according to claim 4, further comprising a speed controller for adjusting a gas discharge speed of the open-to-atmosphere chamber.   The stretcher according to claim 4, wherein the gas pipe is provided with a speed controller for adjusting a flow rate of high-pressure gas from the tank to the pneumatic cylinder.   The stretcher according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a gas inlet for introducing high-pressure gas from a gas supply source installed in the ambulance vehicle to the tank. A stretcher including a bed portion on which the patient is placed, a leg foldably provided on the bed portion, and a wheel provided on the leg,
A lifting assist device having a lifting mechanism for applying a force in a rising direction to the bed, a switch for turning on / off the lifting mechanism, and a speed adjusting unit for adjusting a speed of lifting the bed by the lifting mechanism. Stretcher provided.   The stretcher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a speed adjusting unit that adjusts a lowering speed of the bed portion when lowering the raised bed portion.   The stretcher according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a release unit configured to release the lifting assist device. A method of using the stretcher according to claim 7,
A method for using a stretcher in which the gas inlet is connected to the gas supply source and the tank is filled with high-pressure gas from the gas supply source in an emergency vehicle prior to transportation of the victim.

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